Nautical Archaeology Course - 2010

I know that a number of our members were disappointed last year that the dates for the Nautical Archaeology Course run in conjunction with Preserve Our Wrecks, Kingston didn't work for them. It seems very likely that another course will be run under similar conditions in August. The dates are probably going to be over the weekend of 13-15. Demand is once again going to be quite high. Pre-Registration is recommended and I will take e-mail requests at any point from this date on.

Nautical Archaeology Training Opportunity...

Save Ontario Shipwrecks has announced the availability of places on a NAS Level 1 course in Ottawa in late September. Anyone interested in this opportunity can obtain more details from Chris Holloway or download the registration form by clicking here. NAS Level 1 is an excellent introduction to both theoretical and practical aspects of avocational underwater archaeology.

Archaeology is fun...

Well, that's my take on the picture shown above. Gaetan and Marc-Etienne weren't the only Club members this weekend to enjoy completing the Nautical Archaeology Course commenced in May, but they certainly seemed to enjoy it. It was wonderful to hear a steady stream of discussion and commentary in French from their area too. Paul and Sandrena, for whom one highlight was trying out a backplate and wing combination, also enjoyed themselves and benefited from the experience. Another Club member, Marg Barker, was the tutor - whom we're very lucky to have supporting local activities. The conditions were almost perfect - and nobody complained when we were obliged by light rain to adjourn to the Portsmouth Tavern right at the end of the day. Thank you to everyone who supported this event - and congratulations to all the newly certified avocational archaeologists.

Nautical Archaeology Training Course Available...

Members are reminded that vacancies are available on a Nautical Archaeology Level One course to be held in Kingston over the weekend of May 2/3. Instruction will be given by members of Parks Canada's Underwater Archaeology Service and the cost of the package will not exceed $200. This certification gives a great insight into ship construction, archaeological principles, survey techniques and methods as well as legal frameworks governing our activities underwater. It is highly recommended, even if you do not intend to undertake survey work. If you do, it is an invaluable foundation to that work. An application form can be downloaded by clicking here. It should be completed and returned by April 20th, if you wish to take the course.

SOS announce NAS training opportunity...

Save Ontario Shipwrecks have just announced a great leap forward in the business of underwater archaeological training in the Province. In a landmark deal with the Nautical Archaeology Society, they have gained permission to run courses under NAS auspices in Ontario. This is a really welcome development. Resources for training have been significantly lacking in recent years, despite the best efforts of government agencies at all levels and interested avocational groups like SOS and POW. The news release announcing the development can be downloaded by clicking here.